The 6th A C M Tennis Sports Awards ceremony 2019 was Held at Tamil Union Club recently with over 250 winners participating. Hesara Dhirendra Kuruppu and Dinethya Dharmaratne were adjudged the boys’ and girls’ Most Outstanding Players of the year respectively.

Tamil Union Tennis Secretary and Moratuwa University senior lecturer Nihal Wijewickrema was the chief at the award ceremony.

ACM Sports tennis head Anupa Maththamagoda was also present on the occasion.

Janul de Silva of Royal College emerged as the 1 st Runner-up whilst Vignesh Pirapaharan of Lyceum International School, Panadura was placed 6th at the 14th World English Scrabble Players’ Association (WESPA) Youth Cup (previously known as World Youth Scrabble Championship) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia recently.

190 players from 18 countries including UK, USA, Australia and Hong Kong participated at this year’s championship which was won by Tarin Pairor of Thailand.

Janul with his 2019 performance completed a hat-trick of 1 st runner-up achievements at the WESPA Youth Cup following his achievements in Kuala Lumpur (2017) and Dubai (2018). Together with the 4 th place he achieved in Perth (2015), Janul became the most consistent performer in the 14 year history of the WESPA Youth Cup.

Vignesh who was placed 8 th in Kuala Lumpur (2017) has been another consistent performer for the Sri Lankan youth team narrowly missing out on top 10 achievements on three occasions. Both

Vignesh and Janul participated in their 6 th and final WESPA Youth cups.

The achievements of Janul, Vignesh and Nimuthu Witharana of Richmond College who came 20 th saw Sri Lanka ending up with the same number of wins as Thailand and Singapore in the battle for the Best National Team. Thailand emerged as the Best National Team for 2019, based on margins while Sri Lanka was 2 nd followed by Singapore. Sri Lanka has been dominant in the Best National Team category since 2015, winning it 3 years in a row from 2015 to 2017 before narrowly missing out in 2018 to Pakistan.

The Sri Lankan team this year also included Radinka Dissanayake (Bishops College), Qays Sangani (Royal College), Adheesha Dissanayake (Gateway College), Hasali Ratnayake (Girls High School, Kandy), Sarindu Willadarage (Richmond College), Kalpana Seneviratne (Sacred Heart Convent) and Raguparan Ilanpoornan (S. Thomas’ College).

Lyceum International School, Nugegoda beat Ananda Shasthralaya, Kotte by 12 runs in their inter school first eleven cricket match played at Kotte. Batting first Lyceum scored 154 runs with Nadeesha Yasiru claiming 5 for 51 and in reply Shasthralins were all out for 109 runs with Lakindu Sachin capturing 5 for 35. In their second essay visitors were all out for 132 runs with Hasindu Chamika making 80 runs and Janitha Chathuranga bagged 6 or 38 runs. In their second essay homesters were all out for 165 runs with Nadeesha Yasiru scoring 70 runs and Hasindu Chamika capturing 5 for 78 runs.

Chief Scores

Lyceum, Nugegoda – 154 in 60.5 overs – Sadusthika Senerath 40, Thinal Singhabahu 23, Nushan de Silva 22, Danal Senevirathne 22, Nadeesha Yasiru 5/51, Janitha Chathuranga 3/34 and 132 – Hasindu Chamika 80, Nushan de Silva 27, Janitha Chathuranga 6/38, Tharuka Eshan 2/27, Nadeesha Yasiru 2/47

Ananda Shasthralaya – 109 in 43.3 overs – Udan Iroshan 29 n/o, Ashan Sudarshana 29, Lakindu Sachin 5/35, Dumindu Silva 2/19, Danal Senevirathne 3/24 and 135, Nadeesh Yasiru 70, Udan Iroshan 23, Hasindu Chamika 5/78, Dumindu SIlva 3/16, Lakindu Sachin 2/46

Sri Lanka over 50 Masters Twenty 20 Tournament Organized by the Colombo Masters Cricket Association (CMCA) for the second consecutive year will commence today and will continue until January 25 at Colombo venues.

The purpose of this tournament is to establish an over 50’s Veterans Cricket team and organize a league for 50 plus masters cricket in Sri Lanka. CMCA won the tournament last year. The

Tournament will work off as two matches in the morning and afternoon at the Bloomfield Grounds on January 8 and concludes with the finals on January 25 at P Sara Stadium followed by the awards ceremony in the afternoon.

The match schedule:

* At Bloomfield grounds on the 8th of January

Morning – CMCA vs Nationalised Services CA, Afternoon – State Services CA vs Mercantile Cricket Association

* At Nationalised Service grounds Ratmalana on the 11 th of January

Morning - SSCA vs Defence Services, Afternoon – MCA vs NSCA

* At MCA grounds on the 14 th of January

Morning – MCA vs CMCA, Afternoon – NSCA vs DS

* At Nationalised Service grounds Ratmalana on the 18 th of January

Morning - NSCA vs SSCA, Afternoon – DS vs CMCA

* At Navy grounds Welisara on the 22 nd of January

Morning - DS vs MCA, Afternoon – CMCA vs SSCA

* At P.Sara Stadium on the 25th of January

Morning - 3rd place play off, Afternoon – Finals

INDORE, Tuesday: Skipper Virat Kohli struck an unbeaten 30 as India beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the second Twenty20 international in Indore on Tuesday.

The hosts rode a 71-run opening stand between KL Rahul, who hit 45, and Shikhar Dhawan, who made 32, to chase down their target of 143 in 17.3 overs and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after the first match was rained off.

Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga took the wickets of the Indian openers but Shreyas Iyer, who scored 34 before falling to paceman Lahiru Kumara, and Kohli, who hit the winning six, got the team home.

Paceman Navdeep Saini led India’s disciplined bowling attack to restrict Sri Lanka to 142 for nine in the second Twenty20 international in Indore on Tuesday.

Seam bowler Shardul Thakur claimed three wickets while Saini and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav took two each after India elected to bowl with the three-match series tied at 0-0 following the opening match being rained off.

Sri Lanka kept losing wickets at regular intervals but it was Yadav’s two key strikes including Kusal Perera, for 28, that further put a lid on the islanders’ scoring.

Saini, who bowled opener Danushka Gunathilaka for 20 claimed Bhanuka Rajapaksa caught behind for nine, returned impressive figures of 2-18 from his four overs.

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah also took a wicket on return from his four-month injury lay-off after getting Dasun Shanaka bowled for seven with a slower ball.

Thakur returned in his final over and the team’s 19th to rattle the lower-order with three strikes including two on successive deliveries.

Number eight Wanindu Hasaranga signed off the innings with three straight boundaries off Bumrah but the total still seems below par on what is said to be a good batting pitch.

The third match is on Friday in Pune. AFP

CAPE TOWN: Ben Stokes produced an explosive spell of bowling as England beat South Africa by 189 runs inside the last hour of the fifth day of the second Test at Newlands on Tuesday.

The win levelled the four-match World Test championship series.

South Africa were bowled out for 248, with the last wicket falling when only 8.2 overs were left in the match.

Stokes took the last three wickets in the space of 14 balls to clinch the victory. He finished with three for 35.

South Africa defied the England bowlers for most of the day. Only three wickets fell before tea as South Africa defended grimly after starting the day on 126 for two after being set an improbable 438 to win.

Opening batsman Pieter Malan, making his debut, made 84 in 369 minutes and 288 balls before he fell to Sam Curran with the second new ball. But he was the only player to be dismissed before lunch and tea.

It meant England needed five wickets in the last session, with a minimum of 31 overs to be bowled.

Quinton de Kock fell to a rare loose shot after he and Rassie van der Dussen had batted together for more than two hours. De Kock, who made 50, had been troubled by Joe Denly’s leg-spinners into rough outside his off stump -- but fell to a short ball which he pulled to midwicket.

Van der Dussen batted for 194 minutes and 140 balls, scoring only 17, before falling to a smart tactical move by England. He had been batting solidly against Stuart Broad when James Anderson moved to leg slip and Van Der Dussen promptly glance the next ball straight to Anderson.

Stokes produced an inspired spell of fast, hostile, short-pitched deliveries to have Dwaine Pretorius and Anrich Nortje caught in the slips off successive balls before he took the final wicket when Vernon Philander was caught at gully. AFP

S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia beat Ananda College Colombo by five wickets to clinch the ‘Atapattu – Halangoda trophy’ at SSC grounds yesterday.

Ryan Fernando of S. Thomas’ was adjudged man of the match. Yasiru Rodrigo of S. Thomas’ adjudged best bowler of the match. Anuda Jayaweera (Ananda) was picked as best batsman of the match.

*At SSC (S. Thomas’ Mt. Lavinia won by 5 wickets)

Ananda Colombo: 94 (31.4) (Kanishka Ranthilakage 40, Sonara Karunathilake 18, Yasiru Rodrigo 6/8, Dilmin Rathnayake 3/20) and 268/8 decl. (52/2 o/n) (80.5) (Anuda Jayaweera 86 n.o., Dasun Tharuka 61, Kalana Wijesiri 41, Kanishka Ranthilakage 20, G. Caniston 3/41, Dilmin Rathnayake2/81)

S. Thomas’ Mount Lavinia: 190 (31.4) (Shalin De Mel 50, Ryan Fernando 48, Anuk Palihawadana 23, Saviru Bandara 5/42, Isuru Ayesh 3/60) and 173/5 (25) (Ryan Fernando 75

n.o., Maneesha Rupasingha 51, Janidu Jayawardena 2/27) (YK)

Dudley Hettiarachchi (67) founder Member of Southern Motor Sports Club, one time President SMSC and well known Rally Diver, Patron of SMSC and leading Businessman in Matara died after a brief illness.

He has done yeoman service to develop motor Racing in the Southern city of Matara since the inception of SMSC way back in 1996. With his Services towards the SMSC Matara was able to produce many racing and rally drivers during the past 25 years.

He leaves behind his wife Savithri, son Dishan and Aravindi. Remains lie at his residence Railway Station Approach Road Matara.

Cremation will take place on Thursday 9th January at 3.00 p.m. the General Cemetery, Matara.

Pawantha Weerasinghe of Mahanama College, Colombo gave a fine all-round performance against Zahira College, Colombo and Ravindu Rathnayake of Isipathana College Colombo scored his second ton for the season in the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 inter Schools Cricket tournament yesterday.

St. John’s College Panadura beat Dudley Senanayake Central College Tholangamuwa by innings and 205 runs and Basilica College Ragama beat Kirillawala MV by 9 wickets. Nalanda Boy’s College Minuwangoda beat Carey College Colombo by 5 runs. Other matches were drawn.

Ravindu Rathnayake (Isipathana) made a ton against Maliyadeva Kurunegala. Pawantha Weerasinghe (Mahanama Colombo) scored 118 runs and took 5 wickets.

• At Moratuwa (Match drawn) St. Joseph’s Colombo: 197 (70.5) (Sadeesh Jayawardene 81, Hiran Jayasundara 52, Kalana Sandeep 8/43) and 175/4 (43) (Sheran Fonseka 85 n.o., Johanne De Zylwa 44, Nadeera Fernando 2/33, Kalana Sandeep 2/73)

St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa: 237 (78/1 o/n) (82.1) (Dunith Jayathunge 62, Shashika Perera 36, Sukitha Prasanna 32, Yashan Avishka 30, Nadeera Fernando 22, Lahiru Amarasekara 3/35, Mihiranga Wickramage 3/62, Salinda Senevirathna 2/53)

•  At Bloomfield (Match drawn)

Mahanama Colombo: 346/9 decl. (89.1) (Pawantha Weerasinghe 118, Pulshan Rohana 84, Sadishan Chamodya 33, Kujana Perera 30, Vinuka Rubasingha 25, Adeel Ismiriy 2/22, Mahadi Namiz 2/44, Imitias Slasa 2/90) and 155/6 (38) (Vinuka Rubasinghe 50 n.o., Dileesha Thuduwage 35, Imitias Slasa 4/66)

Zahira Colombo: 172 (3/0 o/n) (61) (Imitias Slasa 64, Raeed Rizwan 45, Mahadi Namiz 44 n.o., Pawantha Weerasinghe 5/40, Achintha Supun 3/40, Nisal Akash 2/38)

• At Thurstan (Match drawn)
•  Gurukula Kelaniya: 199 (53) (Praveen Nimesh 52, Kemira Nayanatharu 47, Rashmika Mewan 39, Yohan Liyanage 4/79, Punthila Samanthakumara 3/36, Hirujith Rasanjana 2/30) and 203/8 decl. (65) (Sithija Chamod 67 n.o., Likshan Sasanga 27, Rashmika Mewan 25, Janitha Shehan 23, Punthila Samanthakumara 8/72)

Thurstan Colombo: 178 (158/7 o/n) (49.3) (Sanuth Nandinu 40, Ranesh Silva 25, Bhawantha Jayasinghe 24, Janitha Shehan 2/19, Rashmika Mewan 2/29, Thushara Madushan 2/36, Rishitha Sankalpa 2/42) and 109/3 (18) (Yohan Liyanage 46 n.o., Avishka Kaushalya 20)

• At Kurunegala (Match drawn)

Isipathana Colombo: 355/9 decl. (87.4) (Leshan Amarasinghe 159, Savindu Uthsara 90, Thiwanka Kathriarachchi 33, Thevindu Dickwella 21, Matheesha Weerasinghe 3/67, Thimira Chandrasena 2/46, Hasindu Ruwanpura 2/54) and 211/6 (45) (Ravindu Rathnayake 100 n.o., Lisura Liyanage 55, Thevindu Dickwella 22, Nikila Dharmadasa 3/74, Chaluka Atapattu 2/12)

Maliyadeva Kurunegala: 116 (17/0 o/n) (55.5) (Chaluka Atapattu 39, Kalindu Ranmal 20, Savindu Uthsara 3/17, Thevindu Dickwella 3/22)

•  At Panadura (St. John’s Panadura won by innings and 205 runs)

St. John’s Panadura: 397/9 decl. (63.3) (Ashan Dilhara 152, Reshan Malith 102, Sachin Dhananjaya 31, Yasiru Sandeepa 30, Ashen Maduranga 4/89, Ravishka Tharusha 2/43, Chanaka Wijesingha 2/41)

Dudley Senanayake Central Tholangamuwa: 76 (54/3 o/n) (42.1) (Madhuranga Dissanayake 28, Uvindu Kaushalya 21, Sasitha Manupriya 6/23, Sumudu Udara 3/10) and 116 (54.1) (Uvindu Kaushalya 30, Lahiru Mahesh 30, Sasitha Manupriya 5/37, Amila Perera 2/17, Abishek Sanju

2/24)

•  At Horana (Match drawn)

Taxila Central Horana: 321 (87) (Sasanka Adeepa 76, Deshan Dilmith 66 n.o., Dinupa Sandinu 54, Gihan Madubash 26, Eranga Jayakody 24, Vidushan Yasintha 21, Nimesh De Silva 5/86, Brian Julius 2/36) and 116/9 decl. (48.1) (Eranga Jayakody 46, Sasanka Adeepa 34, Nimesh De Silva 5/43, Dineth Thathsara 4/53)

St. Peter’s Negombo: 253 (48/2 o/n) (55.2) (Maleesha Appuhamy 62, Sandeep Fonseka 43, Julius Fernando 38, Dineth Thathsara 37, Nisalanka Peiris 34, Dinupa Sandinu 3/10, Seneth Vinvinu 3/64, Vidushan Yasintha 2/15) and 13/0 (5)

• At Railway ground (Nalanda Boy’s won by 5 runs)
•  Nalanda Boy’s Minuwangoda:105 (36.1) (Charuka Janith 28, Nadun Kalhara 24, Dinura Sandeepa 4/20, Viranga Yeshan 3/31, Lithika Damsith 2/15) and 163 (49.4) (Mihindu Malith 54, Salindu Malmina 36, Dasun Achira 29, Vinuga Dimsitha 3/21, Viranga Yeshan 3/58)

Carey Colombo: 173 (61.3) (Abdul Basith 47, Alankara Jayalath 42, Vihanga Deemantha 24, Mihindu Malith 4/44, Kavishka Lakshan 3/26, Kavindu Maduranga 2/10) and 90 (38.1) (Lithika Damsith 31, Aveesha Weerarathna 23, Nadun Kalhara 8/34)

•  At Panadura (Match drawn) Sri Sumangala Panadura: 253 (69.2) (Mihiranga Fernando 64, Vidusha Peiris 62, Heshan Uminda 30, Tharana De Silva 28, Sandun Sathsara 4/54, Mayura Edirisinghe 2/22) and 169 (48.2) (Charuka Jayathilake 36, Sathira Fernando 30, Imeth Gampola 26, Heshan Uminda 23, Mihiranga Fernando 20, Sandun Sathsara 6/80, Ushan Deemantha 2/36)

Piliyandala Central: 217 (79/4 o/n) (72.1) (Chamod Sandaru 67, Lakshitha Kularathnae 50, Hesara Dilkith 33, Ruchira Adikari 21, Anuka Jayasingha 4/81, Vidusha Peiris 3/22, Heshan Uminda 2/35) and 103/6 (22) (Hesara Dilkith 33, Chamod Sandaru 30, Anuka Jayasinghe 3/28)

•  At Ragama (Basilica Ragama won by 9 wickets)* Kirillawala MV: 127 (39.4) (Shihan Rashmikja 59, Visira Himantha 20, Dilesh Chamodya 4/18, Kanishka Dulhara 3/04, Sewmina Priyamal 2/18) and 79 (1/0 o/n) (41.3) (Chalana Chamara 24, Dilesh Chamodya 5/10, Chenuka Randula 3/20)

Basilica Ragama: 192 (63) (Tharindu Gimhana 68, Kanishka Dilhara 35, Sriman Mihidum 25, Dilshan Aloka 21, Shihan Rashmika 3/14, Deneth Sandakelum 3/20) and 15/1 (3.5)

•  At Karandeniya (Match drawn)

Galahitiyawa Central College: 168 (39) (Neluka Dilshan 63 n.o., Samith Isuru 5/70, Hansamana De Silva 2/29) and 273/9 decl. (18/0 o/n) (68.5) (Senesh Nadeeshan 96, Neluka Dilshan 47, Sandaruwan Chinthaka 43, Yasith Rashmika 34 n.o., Samith Isuru 4/114, Hansamana De Silva 2/55) Karandeniya Central: 150 (45.1) (Srilal Dhananjaya 39, Nirmal Yasod 38, Senesh Nadeeshan 5/36, Sandaruwan Chinthaka 3/34) and 184/7 (38) (Janith Kaushal 72, Samith Isuru 53, Sandaruwan Chinthaka 4/83)

•  At Jaffna (Match drawn) P. De S. Kularathne MV Ambalangoda: 101 (39.1) (Kumindu Nilhara 44, Yogadas Vidushan 6/33, Anton Saraan 2/10) and 209/9 (78) (Tharindu Harshana 104, Kaveesh Sathsara 44, Yogadas Vidushan 5/65, Anton Saraan 2/30)

St. John’s Jaffna: 325/9 decl. (233/6 o/n) (72) (T. Dinoshan 100, T. Vinojan 78, N. Sowmiyan 47, K. Sabesan 38, K. Karifan 26, Kaveesh Sathsara 3/89, Kalpa Harshajith 2/25)

•  At Gampaha (Sri Dharmaloka Kelaniya won by 5 wickets)

Bandaranayake Gampaha:111 (27.5) (Kavishka Jayawardena 31 n.o., Sandaru Pathirana 24, Rusith Kavishka 23, Rusiru Randinu 3/25, Kavindu Malshan 2/22, Hasindu Prabod 2/23, Chamod Sulakshana 2/31) and 248/9 decl. (93/3 o/n) (50.1) (Kavishka Jayawardena 38, Dushan Saranga 37, Dinujaya Hettiarachchi 32, Sithija Silva 30, Sandaru Pathirana 29, Hasitha Pathirage 27, Mindula Weerasingha 22, Sasindu Prabod 5/83)

Sri Dharmaloka Kelaniya:126 (40) (Hasindu Piumal 33, Rusiru Randunu 22, Yasiru Wijesinghe 5/21, Kavishka Jayawardene 3/40, Sahan Puwakpitiya 2/46) and 236/5 (40.2) (Hasindu Piyumal 100, Subuthi Milshan 52, Helanka Viduranga 38, Kavishka Jayawardene 4/77)

In day One

Matches will be continued today (8) for day two.

•  At Kandana.
•  De Mazenod Kandana: 92 (27.2) (Sahan Kosala 20, Kanishka Madhuwantha 6/27, Trishen Wickramasinghe 3/17)

St. Peter’s Bambalapitiya: 213/7 (65) (Bhanuka De Silva 51, Shenal Botheju 50, Nipunaka Fonseka 28, Vinuda Liyanage 26, Wanuja Kumara 22 n.o., Shenash Fernando 3/51, Ruvin Fonseka 2/26)

•  At Galle. St. Aloysius Galle: 130 (38.4) (Kavindu Dilhara 75 n.o., Amitha Dabare 4/44, Saniru Dissanayake 3/22, Shashika Chandira 2/21)
•  D.S. Senanayake Colombo:168/7 (50.1) (Amitha Dabare 75, Maneendra Jayathilake 28 n.o., Muditha Lakshan 28, Niduka Malsith 2/24, Sandun Madushanka 2/32)
•  At Kalutara. Kalutara Vidyalaya: 268 (69.3) (Gihan Sanjana 82, Avishka Lakshan 47, Kavindu Jayawickrame 37, Prabodha Wanigasinghe 34, Vishmitha Costa 29, Pasindu Avishka 5/38, Manuja Dulneth 2/89)

Rahula Matara: 38/4 (23) (Kavindu Jayawickrame 2/9)

•  At Horana. Harischandra NS Negombo: 114 (56.2) (Janith Fernando 38, Vikum Ariyarathne 24, Dinuka Wanniarachchi 4/40, Kavindu Himansa 3/30, Sadeepa Dilshan 2/17) Sri Palee Horana: 152/5 (44) (Kavindu Himansa 62, Nadishka Nayanamal 35, Kaveen Sandaruwan 3/41)
• At Homagama.* Methodist High School Moratuwa: 208 (43.4) (Kaveen Fernando 38, Chamod Dilipkumara 38, Sandun Fernando 28, Naveen Madushanka 27, Sihina Fernando 22, Sanka Yashodana 2/10, Rasindu Hettiarachchi 2/22, Milanka Sasanga 2/31, Madushan Salgadu 2/45, Sathnil Sipsara 2/52)

Mahinda Rajapaksa NS Homagama: 188/4 (51) (Sangeeth Shihara 76, Milanka Sasanga 51 n.o., Kavindu Jayasekara 40, Sihina Fernando 2/46) (YK)

Mathilda Karlsson has qualified for the 2020 Olympic games, who is based in Germany, is representing Sri Lanka in the competition ring. She qualified with her 11-year-old Chopin VA (Casall).

For Karlsson Tokyo 2020 will be her first Olympic Games in the equestrian event.

The 32nd Summer Olympics, will be held in Tokyo between 24th of July and 9th of August.

ESports and motor racing enthusiasts in Sri Lanka would be able to experience the challenge and excitement of driving the powerful Mercedes Benz GT 3 on a simulator when the countries first ever Esport Championship ‘Speed Runs’ takes off next Saturday at Sanaya Mansion Hotel in Matara as part of the members day celebrations of the Southern Motor Sports Club.

“Speed Runs is all set to conquer the country,” said Prashad Subramaniam Managing Director of Mandarin Reid Pvt Ltd who together with the Ceylon Motor Sports Club (CMSC) are introducing the Esport experience to Sri Lanka. The qualifying rounds for Sri Lanka’s ‘Speed Runs’ championship will be held in Matara (January), Colombo (February), Kandy (March) and Jaffna (April) after which the two competitors who record the fastest times at the four qualifying rounds will compete at the final which is to be held in Colombo in May 2020.

If the local champion registers a time within the world speed thresh hold he or she will have the opportunity to compete against the fastest from around the world at the Speed Runs World Championship 2020.

Subramaniam added that Esport is rapidly making its way to the forefront of sports both globally and locally.

The steady growth has distinguished Esports as a separate entity and with the increase of high intensity sporting tournaments. In 2019 there were 201.2 million recognized Esport enthusiasts around the globe while the Esport audience had grown to 453.8 million. It was expected that the Esports to have an audience of 645 million globally by 2022.

Sheran Cooke member of the Ceylon Motor Sports Club and Chairman of the organizing committee of ‘Speed Runs’ said that ten simulators of the Mercedes Benz GT 3 which cost around 1.5 million Rupees each have been imported and competitors will experience negotiating the Suzuka International Racing Circuit. “Anyone over 8 years can enter for the

championship” he added.

Weera Puranappu Model School Moratuwa beat formidable Moratu Vidyalaya by 117 runs on first innings in their division three under 13 second round tournament cricket match played at Vidyalian’s cricket grounds. Batting first Vidyalians collapsed for 90 runs. In reply visitors declared at 207 for 6 and at stumps Vidyalians were 51 for 1.

Chief Scores

Moratu Vidyalaya – 90 – Dinuka Rodrigo 33, Sineth Yenula 25, Shenal Sasmika 4/26, Dasun Viranga 3/8, Mohamed Zahil 2/28 and 51/1

Werra Puranappu MS – 207/6 dec. – Senura Nimthara 43, Shenal Shashmitha 43, Udesh Niroshan 37, Vishwa Kaushal 30, Sineth Yenul 2/5

First innings win

In another match in the same age and same division Lalith Athulathmudali Vidyalaya beat I Gate International School, Thalawathugoda on first innings by 197 runs played at Dehiwala. Batting first Lalith Athulathmudali Vidyalaya declared at 245 for 4 with Thej Nirwan and Risith Avishka scoring 71 and unbeaten 55 runs by Chenuka Hasmitha 40 runs respectively. In reply * Gate were all out for 48 runs with Ramithu Disen capturing 5 for 19 runs following on at stumps visitors were 68 for 7.

Chief Scores

Lalith Athulathmudali Vidyalaya – 245/4 in 49 overs – Risth Avishka 55 n/o, Chenuka Hasmitha 40, Thej Nirwan 71, Tharaka

* Gate – 48 in 23 overs – Ramithu Disen 5/19, Ravindu Kumara 2/7 and 68/7 – Chenuka Hasmitha 4/25, Tharaka Sathyajith 2/13

People’s Leasing & Finance PLC, the benchmark company in Sri Lankan in non-bank leasing and finance sector felicitated its employee M. P. D. Ranuka Prabhath who clinched gold medals in Taekwondo at the recently concluded South Asian games.

The felicitation ceremony was headed by Sabry Ibrahim, CEO/GM, PLC and attended by the senior management and employees of the company.

Ranuka Prabhath in addition to receiving a token of gratitude, received a handsome cash prize at the event from Sabry Ibrahim.

Ranuka represented the 13th South Asian Games 2019 held at Kathmandu, Nepal this year by taking part in the Taekwondo competition in the under 23 men’s Pumse category. At the games Ranuka won gold medals in men’s solo event, dual event and a Silver in team event.

It is significant that this was the very first occasion, a Sri Lankan sportsman won gold for taekwondo in South Asian games.

Addressing the gathering at the felicitation ceremony Sabry Ibrahim, CEO/GM, PLC said, “Being a leading company in Sri Lanka that provides financial services for people, PLC constantly receive recognition for its services amongst other financial companies. Ranuka Prabhath being an employee of PLC bringing these gold and silver medals has made Sri Lanka proud. His achievement in SAG games to become an international sportsman has brought recognition to our company too.”

People’s Leasing started its business operations in 1996 as a wholly owned subsidiary of one of the largest State banks in Sri Lanka, People’s Bank.

People’s Leasing is currently the highest rated non-bank financial institution in the country, with a “AA-(Ika)” rating from Fitch Ratings Lanka Ltd and ‘B’-rating by Fitch Ratings International (just one notch below ‘Sovereign’), and the number one ranking in non-banking financial services by Brand Finance PLC.

The Company was also recognized as one of the ten best corporate citizens in the country by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

David Pieris Motor Company, opening batsman, Madushan Fernando had the honour of being the first centurion in the ongoing 01st ‘CBL – Munchee’ Trophy – MCA ‘D’ Division 40 Over League Tournament 2020, continued last weekend.

Madushan Fernando carried his bat out after smashing a swashbuckling 127 not out in 75 balls inclusive of 06 sixes and 13 fours, giving DPMC a handsome 08 wickets victory over 2019 runners – up, Central Finance. Fernando was associated in a 104 balls, 150 runs stand for the 2nd wicket with Sahan Ratnayake (54).

NDB Bank’s, Nimesh Fonseka too hogged the limelight with a first, bagging 5 for 14 in 03 overs in their 36 runs win over Delmage Group.

Debutants, Mode Engineering registered their 2nd win, beating Colombo Dockyard by 06 wickets.

Nawaloka Hospitals (2019 ‘E’ division winner) after a No-result and a loss got back on track with a crushing 134 runs win over Hirdaramani Group, who tasted their first defeat after 02 successive wins.

A fine spell of bowling by Lalith Deshan (7.1/03 / 17/04) spear headed Ansell Lanka to their 3rd win with a close 03 wickets win over Melwire Rolling.

Week-end’s Match Results / 05 matches.

* At Ratmalana - NDB Bank beat Delmage Group by 36 runs (match curtailed to 15 overs a side, due to wet ground conditions)

NDB Bank - 143/6 (15) ( Rajantha Chandula 68 not out, Muditha Elpitiya 30, Rajitha Sandaruwan 2/20, Chamara Nalawatte 2/22)

Delmage Group - 107/9 (15) ( Tharindu Vidanapathirana 33, Isuru Vidanapathirana 20, Nimesh Fonseka 5/14)

* At MCA : David Pieris Motor Co. beat Central Finance by 08 wickets.

Central Finance - 198/9 (40) (Nimesh Fernando 50 not out, Vikum Costha 25, Lakmal Prabashwara 28, Lakshan de Silva 4/53, Lakmal de Silva 2/25, Akila Ilabodage 2/44);

David Pieris Motor Company - 202/2 (27) ( Madushan Fernando 121 not out, Shahan Ratnayake 54)

* At Veyangoda : Ansell Lanka beat Melwire Rolling by 03 wickets.

Melwire Rolling (Pvt) Ltd - 133 (33.1) ( Ishan Hansaka 26, M. Seshan Kumar 27, P. Muthukrishnan 23, Lalith Deshan 4/17, Krishna Maduranga 2/21)

Ansell Lanka - 137/7 (33.3) ( L. Deshan 31 not out, C. Sanjeewa 25 not out, J.Wanniarachchi 26, P. Ekanayake 20, N. Raj 2/19, A. Iranga 2/20, P. Muthukrishnan 2/21)

* At Campbell Park : Mode Engineering beat Colombo Dockyard by 06 wickets

Colombo Dockyard PLC - 120 (34.2) (H J K Wickramasinghe 46, Asanka Kularathne 3/29, Manoj Keerthi 2/17)

Mode Engineering - 122/4 (21.1) ( Dasun Samarasinghe 38, Deshan Jayanga 22, Rajmohan Chandramohan 21, M A M D Kumara 2/45 )

* At MCA : Nawaloka Hospitals beat Hirdaramani Group by 134 runs.

Nawaloka Hospitals - 237/9 (40) (Shamila Nadeesh 59, Sanka Poorna 44, Nishan Hasarel 29, Tharindu Suraj 29, M A M Saharan 3/35)

Hirdaramani Industries (Pvt) Ltd - 103 (27) (M A M Saharan 25, Thiwanka Kekulawala 4/35, Samila Nadeesh 3/18, Nishan Hasarel 2/11)

The tournament will be continued on 09th, 11th and 12th January with a card of 06 matches.

A seven a side soft ball tournament organized by the employees of National Water Supply and Drainage Board for their employees will be worked off on January 25 from 8.30 a.m. onwards at the De Soysa Pura housing scheme grounds. The winner will receive a sum of Rs. 30000/- while the Runner-up will get Rs. 20000/-. Man of the Finals will receive Rs. 2000/- while the Man of the Series will get Rs. 3000/-.

The Best Bowler will also entitled for Rs. 2000/-. The closing date for the applications is January 13. For further details contact Tharaka on 0764996173 or Rumesh on 0767325488.

Sri Lanka Police Rugby has a proud history that goes back to 1881 where a team of Police officers participated in a rugby game at the “Kew Garden” Park in Malay Street, Slave Island. In 1891, a team from the Pettah Police Station played a rugby match. In 1961 Police SC together with Division ‘B’ teams from Air Force, Army, Navy and University were permitted to play alongside the Division ‘A’ clubs, CR & FC, CH & FC, Havelock SC, Kandy SC, Dimbula Athletic & Cricket Club, Dickoya Maskeliya Cricket Club, Uva and Kelani Valley Club in the Clifford Cup competition. The expanded competition, allowed all thirteen clubs to play each other once on a home and away basis in alternate years and at the end of the season the best eight teams went on to play in a knock-out tournament for the Clifford Cup.

The Police Sports Club were promoted to Division ‘A’ in 1967 and the first year they made the Clifford Cup finals, defeating Dickoya MCC in the quarter-final and C R&FC in the semi-final before losing the final to Havelock Sports Club 3–11. They won their first Clifford Cup in 1970, under the captaincy of Abdul Majeed, drawing in the final 6–6 with Havelock SC. The club went on to win its first Clifford Cup outright in 1972, when led by Anton Benedict they defeated Colombo H&FC 12–9. In the following year, Police SC participated in another drawn Cup final, this time with Army SC.

The club won its first Division ‘A’ league title, which was then known as the ‘John Player League’ in 1979, under the captaincy of Charles Wijewardene and retained the title in the following year (1980) led by Nimal Lewke. They were successful again four years later in 1984, under Upali Vithanage, winning the Clifford Cup. Police went on to win six consecutive league titles from 1984-89. During this period the club won numerous Sevens wins and clinched the triple crown twice. In 1985 under the leadership of Sunil Sahabandu, they were unbeaten in the league, won the Clifford Cup, by defeating Havelock SC 22-16 and were also victorious in the Sevens competition. In 1986 under H. Premasiri they retained the league title, and in 1987 under Muruga Jayaratne they won the league title and the sevens. In 1988 Ajantha Samarakoon captained them to win the double again.

In 1989 they enjoyed their most successful season under Hafeel Marso clinching the triple crown (the League title, Sevens and Clifford Cup). In 1990 they were heading the League points table, at the end of the first round but had to withdraw from the competition due to the Second Eelam War. In 1991 under Hemantha Yatawara they won the league and Clifford Cup, their last titles to date.

The present Police rugby chairman S/DIG M.R. Latiff is all out to bring back Police rugby to its former position, and he has urged them to hold their heads high. This time the Cops are led by prop forward Shanaka Harischandra and Asanga Rodrigo is the coach.

Kandy has contributed a lot to Police rugby. Over the years, a large number of Kandy school products have donned the “Blue jersey”. Police came a long way since that match winning kick of Bagoos Sourjah which brought Police into that famous 1970 Cup final, where they beat the star studded CR & FC. That was the turning point of Police rugby.

Police won the coveted Clifford Cup for the first time in 1972 under the leadership of Josephian Anton Benedict. The 1972 Police team was coached by Former Trinity, Kandy SC, CR & FC and Sri Lanka center late Kavan Rambukwella.

In that year Police had a superb rugby chairman - Rudra Rajasingham. He too played for Trinity College and Kandy Sports Club before joining Colombo clubs.

The first Cup winning Police team which was led by Anton Benedict, who later led the Havelock SC and had some of the Kandy players in his Police side, like brilliant wing-three-quarter Bandula Wijesinghe of (Nugawela Central College), Sam Samarasekara (Trinity and Kandy SC), P.S. “Rock: Banda of (Poramadulla Central), P.S. Kularathne (Vidyartha), Juragon Savangam (Trinity), R.M. Lafir (Vidyartha and Kandy SC), Nimal Lewke (St. Sylvester’s and Kandy SC), Daya Jayasundara (Dharmaraja and Kandy SC), Nimal Abeyasinghe (St. Annes) and S. Somachandra (Gampola Central). Some of these players did not play rugby for their schools but learnt the game, after joining the Police.

Karatekas of the Shitoryu Shukokai Karate Association (SSKA) won Thirty six medals at the Sri Lanka School Senior karate Do Tournament 2019 which was held at the Colombo Sugathadasa Stadium recently. It was organized by the Sri Lanka schools Karate Do Association.

Shitoryu Shukokai Karate Association won sixteen gold medals, five silver medals and fifteen bronze medals. They were trained by Shitoryu Shukokai Karate Association’s chief instructor, Sensei Lakshman Saparamadu.

The other instructors were Wasantha Senaviratna, Preethi Asanka, Thilina Rajapaksha, and Kumudu Priyanka.

INDORE, Tuesday: Sri Lanka coach Mickey Arthur feels that international cricket teams can learn from India on how to nurture young players and empower them with responsibilities at critical junctures.

Be it in the bowling or batting department, cricketing powerhouse India have built a solid bench strength in all formats under Virat Kohli’s leadership. And that has impressed Arthur.

“It has been interesting watching them introduce young players and giving them responsibility at critical times, that has been so good. And seeing those young players respond has been amazing. I think India in cricket is in really, really good shape at the moment,” said the 51-year-old Arthur in response to a PTI query after India beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the second T20 International.

“You look at someone like KL Rahul - he hit some shots that were absolutely amazing. India along with probably Australia now - I think Australia have found their mojo again - are certainly the flagbearers in world cricket,” said Arthur.

Before Sri Lanka, Arthur coached South Africa (2005-10), Australia (2010-13) and Pakistan (2016-19).

India are not as strong in the T20 format as they are in the other two formats but Arthur can barely find any chink in their armoury.

“They are a great cricket team and there are no apparent weaknesses.”

Arthur has taken over a Sri Lankan team in transition and knows that it is very much a work in progress.

On Tuesday, most of the Sri Lankan batsmen threw their wickets away after getting starts and that did not go down well with the head coach. India chased down the 143-run target in 17.3 overs.

“We did not get enough runs. We lost one of our bowlers (Isuru Udana) unfortunately in the warm-up, but I think we were about 20-25 runs short of putting India under some pressure. We had a couple of our batsmen getting starts, but starts are not good enough. Somebody needs to get a 60-70 or 80 for us, and that is going to be the journey for us.”

Arthur admitted that it would take some time for the young batting unit to gain some confidence.

“It is quite a young batting unit. For us as coaching staff and players, we have got some serious work to do in terms of game plan, match awareness and playing the big moments. I think we had 49 dot balls tonight, which is too many, as the best teams in the world (would) have 25 dot balls.”

The International Cricket Council yesterday announced the umpire and match referee appointments for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020, which will be staged in South Africa from 17 January to 9 February.

Experienced umpires Wayne Knights and Ravindra Wimalasiri will take charge of the opening match of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup after the officials for South Africa 2020 were confirmed.

New Zealand’s Knights and Wimalasiri of Sri Lanka – who have taken charge of 71 ODI and T20I matches between them – will officiate when hosts South Africa play Afghanistan in the Kimberley opener on January 17. Rashid Riaz Waqar will be the TV umpire for the first of 48 games in the tournament, with a 19-strong team of match officials confirmed by the International Cricket Council.

Among those taking charge will be veteran Ian Gould, whose esteemed senior international career came to an end when he retired during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 on home soil.

The Englishman will join forces with Ahmad Shah Pakteen when India get the defence of their title underway against Sri Lanka in Bloemfontein, one of five group-stage matches he will officiate as on-field umpire.

In all, 16 umpires from 12 different countries will be on the field for five matches each in the first stage of the U19 World Cup, with eight also performing the role of TV umpire.

The list includes five umpires who looked after the 2019 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier late last year, including Sam Nogajski – who was on duty for the final between Papua New Guinea and Netherlands.

The Australian will take the reins for an historic occasion, with Japan playing their very first match in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup when they face New Zealand in Potchefstroom. Iknow Chabi, of Zimbabwe, will join Nogajski out in the middle.

Nigeria will become the 31st different team to take part in the event when they face Australia, the second-most successful side since the competition first began in 1988 as the Youth Cricket World Cup.

Bangladesh umpire Masudur Rahman Mukul and Nigel Duguid, of West Indies, will be raising their finger in that match, on January 20 in Kimberley.

The pool stages will also see an Ashes rivalry revisited at youth level, with Adrian Holdstock and Asif Yaqoob in the middle for Australia’s clash with England, also at Kimberley, three days later.

The 16 umpires will be joined by three match referees for the duration of the tournament, with former Sri Lanka international Graeme Labrooy officiating alongside home official Shaid Wadvalla and England’s Phil Whitticase.

Umpire and match referee appointments for the knockout stages will be announced after the teams have been confirmed. The appointments for the Plate and Super League final will be finalised after the semi-finals.

The officials for the tournament are:

UMPIRES: Roland Black, Ahmad Shah Pakteen, Sam Nogajski, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Ian Gould, Wayne Knights, Rashid Riaz Waqar, Anil Chaudhary, Patrick Bongani Jele, Iknow Chabi, Nigel Duguid, Ravindra Wimalasiri, Masudur Rahman Mukul, Asif Yaqoob, Leslie Reifer, Adrian Holdstock

MATCH REFEREES: Graeme Labrooy, Shaid Wadvalla, Phil Whitticase